Xbox 360 components and accessories

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The Xbox 360 game console, developed by Microsoft, features a number of components and accessories.

Contents 1 Controllers 1.1 Gamepad 1.2 Steering wheel 1.3 Battery packs and chargers 1.4 Cross-Platform Compatibility 2 Faceplates 3 AV connection 4 HD DVD Player 5 Storage 6 Networking 7 Headset 8 Universal Media Remote 9 Live Vision camera 10 3rd Party USB Compatibility List 10.1 Works as of (12-2-2006) 10.2 Does not work as of (12-2-2006) 11 References

[edit] Controllers

Up to four controllers are supported by the Xbox 360, including wired and wireless gamepads. The wired gamepads may be connected to any of the three (two on the front, one in the rear) USB ports located on the console, or to a USB hub. A USB keyboard is also supported, but only for inputting text and navigating the dashboard.

[edit] Gamepad

The black and white buttons have been replaced with the right and left bumpers and an Xbox Guide button has been added to the center. Wired gamepads feature a nine foot (2.74 m) long cord with a break-away feature. They can be used with any USB and Windows equipped computer. Wireless gamepads have a range of about 30 feet (~9 m) and use either two AA batteries or a NiMH rechargeable battery pack. When a gamepad is powered on, a quadrant of the LED "Ring of Light" around the console's power button is lit up indicating connection and ordering -- first player corresponds to the top-left quadrant, second to the top-right, third to the bottom-left and fourth to the bottom-right. The "Ring of Light" also adorns the Xbox Guide button; the light will spiral around in case of a low battery warning on the wireless gamepad. The entire ring will flash intermittently when the controller is not connected.

Early controllers (such as the one packaged with the system) have grey trim on the bottom, later models have a metallic grey colour instead, which matches the finish on the Xbox 360 hard drive.

[edit] Steering wheel

The "Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel" was introduced by Microsoft at the 2006 E3. Due this fall, the force feedback steering wheel controller will include the standard gamepad buttons and floor-mounted accelerator and brake pedals. Although the wheel is capable of running off the rechargeable battery pack, use of the force feedback and active resistance features will require an external AC adapter.^[1]

[edit] Battery packs and chargers

• Rechargeable battery pack: This nickel metal hydride battery pack provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. It is recommended in place of disposable AA batteries (which differ slightly in voltage). It also ships as part of the Play & Charge Kit.
• Play and Charge Kit: allows the controller to be recharged while playing a game by plugging the wireless controller into one of the USB ports. Also includes the rechargeable battery pack. It should also be noted that the Play and Charge kit allows you to use a wireless controller with the battery pack removed (please note: the manual states this will damage the pad). However, it does not allow the wireless pad to be used as a wired controller on a PC.
• Quick Charge Kit: Charges up to two rechargeable battery packs and in less time than the Play and Charge Kit. Comes with one new battery pack.

[edit] Cross-Platform Compatibility

As a first for console controllers, the wired version can be used as a PC gamepad out of the box without the use of any converters. Regardless of the green Xbox 360 packaging or the red PC packaging, it is the same controller either way- the only difference being that the PC package comes with a driver disc included, while the standard package requires users to download the PC drivers. The Xbox Guide button has no function when the controller is used on a PC. Unofficial, third party drivers have also been able to use the controller on other platforms, such as Mac OS X and Linux.

At E3 06, Microsoft announced a wireless adapter, which would allow wireless gamepads to be used on PCs. ^[2] This would allow PC and Xbox 360 owners to use their wireless gamepads, racing wheels, and headset on their computer. The device will act similar to an Xbox 360 as it will allow up to 4 controllers and 4 headset at a time to be connected to the receiver. The device has a 30 foot range and a six foot USB cable. ^[3] The wireless device is listed on several websites for a retail value around $20 and for a post-Christmas release. ^[4]

[edit] Faceplates

The default white faceplate can be replaced with a range of custom designs, each sold separately. The prices of these custom designs are around $20 with more to be released by third party manufacturers. Microsoft has also distributed three promotional faceplates, one for those present at the E3 2005 unveiling, one for those at the Zero Hour launch event and one for VIP X05 attendees. While the faceplate exists mostly for aesthetic reasons, it still serves several other functional roles like airflow direction, dust and particle deterrence, and protection for the DVD-tray and memory slots.

[edit] AV connection

Adapters and cables are available for TOSLINK, RCA (audio and video), S-video, Component video, VGA, D-Terminal, and SCART connections, depending on regional standard.

A picture has emerged on the Internet that supposedly shows an Xbox 360 motherboard with a HDMI connection. However Microsoft has not released any confirmation on if they are actually implementing a HDMI port into the Xbox 360.[2]

[edit] HD DVD Player

Bill Gates announced during his keynote speech at CES 2006 that an external HD DVD drive would be released for the 360 during 2006.^[5] At E3 2006, Microsoft officially presented the external HD DVD drive. The HD DVD drive launched in North America on November 7, 2006, retailing for US$249.99, and in Japan on November 17, 2006 at a price of ¥25,900 (US$220).^[6]. The drive will be able to play HD DVD Movies, while all the Xbox 360 games will still use DVD-9 media^[7]. Microsoft has no plans to include an internal HD DVD player in future Xbox 360 designs.^[8] The E3 HD DVD shown did not have an HDMI port, and it connected to the Xbox 360 via USB. The HD DVD drive unit had an integrated USB hub with two ports on the rear of along with a spot for the Xbox 360 Wireless adaptor to clip on.

Peter Moore has stated that if HD DVD loses the format war, Microsoft may also release an external Blu-ray drive. This was later denied by Microsoft.^[9] According to Japan's chief of Xbox operations Yoshihiro Maruyama, Microsoft will not release Xbox 360 games in the new disc formats. The Xbox 360 lacks a HDMI port, and will not be able to play HD DVDs at full 1080p resolution if the ICT flag is set, although rumours of an updated Xbox 360 motherboard featuring a HDMI port have surfaced.^[10]

Despite the fact that it is an external drive for the Xbox360, it can be connected to a normal PC with a USB 2.0 cable.^[11]

Mac OS X natively recognizes it. Windows will see it as DVD drive, and drivers have surfaced so Windows will see it as the the 360 HD-DVD drive.

As of December 13, 2006, 42k Xbox 360 HD-DVD drives have been sold in the United States. ^[12]

[edit] Storage

• Detachable hard drive: An optional detachable SATA 20 GB hard drive is used for the storage of games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos, player preferences, and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace; it may also be used to transfer such content between Xbox 360 units. It is required to play original Xbox games. Only 14 GB of this hard drive is available to the user; the rest is reserved for the system and games. According to J Allard, the chief of Microsoft's Xbox division, Microsoft may sell larger capacity detachable hard drives for the Xbox 360 in the future, and territories outside of North America may have a differently sized hard drive in the retail unit.
• Memory Unit: a portable 64 MB device which allows the transfer of saved games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles to other Xbox 360 consoles. Microsoft also announced a 256 MB version on E3, 2006, which will be available in March 2007, price yet unknown.

[edit] Networking

Wireless Networking Adapter: The Wi-Fi (802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g) adapter is sold separately for an MSRP of $99.99. There are also many third-party adapters which are connected through the ethernet port, and recognized by the Xbox 360 as a wired connection. Using an official or third-party wireless bridge the console will automatically detect and link up with other Xbox 360 consoles that are within range and form a mesh network. Please note that although the adapter's manual states that it supports WPA2, it does NOT support it at this time. It is unknown whether or not Microsoft has plans to enable this feature through a future firmware or software update through Xbox live. When setting up a connection to an unlisted access point, there is an option titled 'WPA2' that is currently greyed out on the 'Edit Wireless Security Settings' screen.

[edit] Headset

• Headset: allows gamers to talk to each other when plugged into the controller's expansion port and connected to Xbox Live. Some upcoming Xbox 360 titles may benefit from voice command too. It has an in-line volume control and a mute switch. You do not need an official headset for your controller, any standard 2.5 mm socket handsfree set from a mobile phone will work as a headset.
• Wireless headset: The Headset can be used for in game voice chat, private chat, audio for video chat and in game voice recongnition. you can use up to four wireless headsets simultaneously on on a single xbox 360. The headset comes a built-in rechargeable battery and charger, and an instruction manual. The headset fits over either ear and comes with two sizes of removable ear grips for a better fit. it uses 2.4 GHz radio technology the same as the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller so it will work within 30 feet of the console. you can have up to eight hours of battery life per charge, with an AC wall adapter for recharging. The headset can be used with or without a controller. The headset sells for GB£35.99, US$59.99, $59.99 or US$49.99.

[edit] Universal Media Remote

The Universal Media Remote assists in the playing of DVD movies and music (although the console can play such media without the remote), and offers controls for a TV or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC. The universal media remote is a larger version of the media remote that was initially shipped with the Premium version of the console, and replaces the Xbox Live Headset in the Australian and New Zealand Premium Xbox 360 Systems. Both remotes allow basic control of games, along with being able to navigate the dashboard. The remote controls interface with the Xbox 360 via infrared.

[edit] Live Vision camera

Main article: Xbox Live Vision

The Xbox Live Vision camera was announced at E3 2006 and was released in North America on September 19, 2006, and Europe and Asia (except Japan, as the release date has not been confirmed yet) on October 2, 2006.[3] [4] At present there are 5 Live Arcade games which have camera functionality included: UNO, TotemBall, Hardwood Backgammon, Hardwood Hearts and Hardwood Spades. The ability to create an in-game representation of yourself is possible using this camera and a suitable game, similarly to Sony's EyeToy for the PS2. The retail game Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas allows you to create an in-game version of your face with this feature. The dashboard software released on June 13, 2006 added an option in the system tab to support its functions.

[edit] 3rd Party USB Compatibility List

[edit] Works as of (12-2-2006)

The following is a list of all know compatible USB hardware that works with the Xbox 360

• All USB Keyboards will work but only standard buttons will work; they must not require a unified Driver.
• All Notebook Cooling fans that are USB powered will work.
• All USB Hubs will work. (USB 2.0 with power adapter is recommended).
• All External Hard Drives must be formatted in FAT32.

*With upgrade to the latest firmware to ensure device compatibility.

• Card Readers: Hitachi Micro Drive 6GB (via CFII reader), SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1/ 8-in-1 Reader/Writer, Belkin Media Gear 4-1 reader, Iogear USB 2.0 Hub & Card Reader combo unit, 7 in 1 cardreader , PNY Compact Flash Card Reader, Lexmark P707 Memory Card Reader, Sony Memory Card Reader.

• Cards: PNY 256 Compact Flash, SanDisk/ Cruzr Micro 1GB/512Mb/128. Casio Elixim Card.

• Digital Cameras:

Canon: Powershot A70/A80/A520/S50, Powershot SD100/SD200/SD400/SD500, Rebel XT, EOS 350D, Digital IXUS 50, EOS 1D Mark II, 20D.

Sony: Cybershot DSC-F707, Cybershot DSC-F88, Cybershot DSC-V1//DSC-T1/DSC-L1, Cybershot DSC-P93A, Cybershot DSC-S60, Cybershot DSC-P72, Cybershot DSC-F828, Cybershot DSC-P9, Cybershot DSC-W1

Kodak: CX7430, EasyShare DX7440/Z700/DX6490/P880, V530 5MP Pocket.

Nikon: D50, Coolpix 2200/4600/5200.

Olympus: Camedia C-50 Zoom, D-580 Zoom.

Fuji: S3000, FinePix S5100.

HP: Photosmart 507 / 735 / M305

Other: Vivitar ViviCAM 3710, VuPoint MSX400, Panasonic DMC-FZ3, Pentax Optio 555, Samsung Digimax 300, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC40, Konica Minolta Dimage Z6, Vivitar ViviCam 38264.

• Digital Camcorders: JVC GZ-MG20U.

• Flash/Thumb Drives: Belkin 64Mb, Dell 65Mb/ 256Mb/ 128Mb, Kingston Traveler (1 & 2) 128MB, Memorex 1GB Memory Stick, SanDisk Cruzer & Cruzer Mini 256/512Mb/1GB, Soyo 20 GB Cigar drive, SanDisk 1GB, Lexar Flash Jumpdrive 512Mb, PQI Intelligent Stick, Ebuyer Value 64Mb, Corsair Flash Voyager 512 Mb, SimpleTech 512 Mb Cigar Drive, PGI 1GB, Iomega 128MB.

• Hard Drives: BUSlink USB 2.0 Disk On The Go/Lite (20GB/ 40GB external), Iomega (60GB), Pocketec External USB (40GB) Drive, Western Digital (80GB/250GB/160B) External USB HD, Segate external (300GB), Maxtor (100Gb) External, Maxtor OneTouch II external HDD (250GB), Absplus Backup System (100GB).

• Mp3 Players: (Make sure you have the latest firmware before trying)

Creative: Muvo, Zen, Zen Micro, Zen Xtra, Zen Vision: M (only in USB drive mode and standard Sync mode)

Dell: Digital Jukebox Gen 2

iPod: Nano, Shuffle, Picture, Video - AAC patch from the Marketplace is needed for iTunes.

iRiver: H-10 / ihp-120 / PMP-120 / H320 / H340 / H340/ T30.

Microsoft: Zune.

Other Mp3 players: iPaq rx3115, Motorola M500 5G, Rio Carbon 5GB, Samsung YP-780V/YP-F1, Visual Land VL-340 1GB MP3, RCA Lyra RD2780, Curtis 1gb, Toshiba Gigabeat, ARCHOS AV4100, Rio Forge 512MB MP3 Player, Philips GoGear 6Gb, Gowon iAudio X5L (30GB), Sony Bean 1GB, Philips Micro Jukebox HDD1630/17, Sony NW-A3000, Samsung YP-Z5(1GB), Samsung YP-U1, iAudio M3L 20GB HDD player,

• Misc: Flexiglow 8 Color USB mouse pad, Sony (PlayStation Portable) PSP, USB powered coffee warmer, Antec USB powered LED tube, Iogmega USB Zip-100 Drive, Dynex PS/2 to USB adapter, VTEC USB Coffee warmer/ 4-port USB HUB, Mini Desktop Aquarium, Mini Lava Light, Glowing Snowman, Fly Fan, USB Light, USB Floppy Drive, Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard (Except macro buttons) Apple USB keyboard, PS2 USB Adapter, Sapphire ATI Theatrix Remote (on dashboard, not Media Center.)

• Phones/ Smart Phones: Neonode N1, Motorola V3 Razor, Orange SPV C550, Nikon CoolPix 7600, Nokia N-Gage.

[edit] Does not work as of (12-2-2006)

The following is a list of all know compatible USB hardware that will not work with the Xbox 360

• No USB Mouses will work.
• No USB Internet Wireless Adapters will work (Exception of Xbox Wireless adapter (MN-740).
• No Web Cams NOT designed for Xbox 360 will work.
• No Controllers and Steering Wheels NOT made specifically for Xbox 360 will work.

• Card Readers: Sony MSAC-USM1.

• Cards:

• Digital Cameras:

Canon: Powershot S230, Powershot A20, EOS 10D.

Other: Konica Minolta Dimage Z3, Sony Ericsson K750i, Lego USB Camera.

• Digital Camcorders: JVC GZ-MG20U.

• Flash/Thumb Drives: Patriot USB 512MB Memory Stick (Maybe not the right format or files?)

• Hard Drives: Maxtor External HD USB, Verbatim 4GB USB.

• Mp3 Players:

Creative: Jukebox Zen USB 2.0/ Firewire

Dell DJ 15 GB / 1st gen Dell DJ

iRiver: IFP-895 / -799 / N10.

Samsung YP-U2J (XB)

Sony: Sony Walkman Core™ MP3 Player NW-E507/NW-HD5H/NW-E3.

• Misc: Bluetooth USB dongle (Belkin?), Original Xbox Action Replay USB, Original Xbox Controller with USB adapter, Logitech USB Headset, GE's 6-in-1 USB kit, Nintendo Wi-Fi USB adapter, Logitech WingMan joystick, iConcepts Plug-N-Play USB HUB, Microsoft Sidewinder USB Force feedback Wheel, Linksys Wireless 802.11b USB adapter, Linksys WET11 Wireless Ethernet Bridge, ATI All-in-Wonder remote

• Phones/ Smart Phones: Audiovox SMT5600 Windows Smartphone 2003, Palm Treo 600 PDA / Phone, Motorolla V265, Nokia 3220, sony w800i, Orange SPV E200, Motorola Q, Samsung D500

[edit] References